The placement of inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) is a safe and effective way to reduce the incidence of pulmonary embolism, but the complications of its long-term implantation are also well documented. The ideal IVCF should contain many benefits with some general features, such as clot-trapping efficiency, satisfactory fixation to the venous wall, fewer complications and lower costs. So, practitioners should have a general knowledge of the characteristics of different IVCF, and establish new concepts, enhance management and pay enough attention to retrieval of IVCF.